What level of Azure expertise do I need for a basic cloud migration?
For a basic migration of a few servers and applications, you need someone with intermediate Azure skills who understands networking, security groups, and backup strategies. They should have hands-on experience with Azure Site Recovery or similar migration tools and understand how to size resources appropriately to avoid overspending.
How can I tell if someone actually knows Azure versus just having it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through a specific scenario like setting up a secure web application with a database backend. They should mention concepts like resource groups, network security groups, managed identities, and monitoring. If they can't explain how services connect or discuss cost implications, they likely have only surface-level knowledge.
Can Azure handle everything my business needs or will I need other cloud providers too?
Azure can handle most business needs including compute, storage, databases, networking, and specialized services like AI and IoT. However, some companies use multi-cloud strategies for specific services where competitors excel, like Google's AI capabilities or AWS's broader service catalog. Most businesses find Azure comprehensive enough to be their primary cloud provider.
How well does Azure integrate with non-Microsoft tools my team already uses?
Azure integrates well with popular tools like GitHub, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, and various monitoring solutions. While it has the deepest integration with Microsoft products, it's not locked into the Microsoft ecosystem. Many companies successfully run Linux workloads, open-source databases, and third-party applications on Azure.
How long does a typical Azure migration or implementation project take?
Simple migrations of a few applications can take 2-4 weeks, while complex enterprise migrations often take 3-6 months or longer. Setting up new development environments typically takes 1-2 weeks. The timeline depends heavily on the complexity of your existing infrastructure, compliance requirements, and how much testing and optimization you want to do.
What ongoing support will I need after my Azure environment is set up?
Azure environments need ongoing monitoring, security updates, cost optimization, and scaling adjustments. Plan for regular maintenance like patching, backup verification, and performance tuning. Most businesses need either a dedicated Azure administrator or a managed services provider to handle day-to-day operations and ensure optimal performance and security.
